Since the introduction of new quit smoking programs in January, more than 150 Islanders are enrolled in smoking cessation programs, and another 200 people have expressed interest in participating.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem advised that 90 percent of lung cancers are caused by smoking, as well as many other chronic illnesses. "We are extremely pleased with the positive response to the new smoking cessation programs because it tells us that Islanders want to improve their health, and that our new addictions programs can help," said the minister.
The new individual and group counseling programs are being piloted as a core program at Prince Edward Island's five addiction centres in Alberton, Summerside, Mt. Herbert, Montague and Souris. Addiction nurses work with participants during five sessions to help them understand what triggers their smoking and how to develop a personal plan to deal with these situations.
There is no charge for the program and program participants are eligible to have a portion of the cost of the patch, gum or zyban covered to a maximum of $75 per year.
Teresa Hennebery, Director of the Public Health and Evaluation with the Department of Health and Social Services advised that smoking is a major public health problem in Prince Edward Island that costs our health system up to $12 million a year. "We know our smoking rates on PEI are high and we would really like to see them come down," she said, "Islanders are looking for help. We are encouraged by our efforts to improve access to programs, and to eliminate the barriers to quitting smoking such as the cost to participate in programs, and the cost of stop smoking medications."